Isuzu opens Sh700m vehicle plant in Nairobi

Isuzu East Africa (Isuzu EA) dealer, the Kenya Coach Industry (KCI), has opened a service workshop, a showroom and a vehicle body building facility in Nairobi at a cost of Sh700 million.

The facility, located along Mombasa road, will be used to fabricate the chassis and bodies of buses, as well as sell and service Isuzu motor vehicles.

Speaking during the launch of the complex Wednesday, KCI managing director Narian Sokhi said the investment will help grow local assembly and the transport sector through enhanced production of quality bus bodies.

“We are delighted to be opening this new facility that will see the production of quality bus bodies and chassis. This is a huge milestone, not just for KCI, but for the transport industry,” he said.

He added that the facility is also expected to support the suppliers of steel, aluminium, paint, glass and electrical equipment which produce the material required to fabricate chassis and vehicle body parts.

Employment opportunities

It will also provide employment opportunities directly and indirectly while supporting the growth of other industries in its supply value chain.

“The facility has about 300 staff who are hired directly and about 1,200 staff who are employed indirectly.

"We expect to add 500 more workers in the first year of operation as business grows,” said Mr Sokhi.

The auto parts facility has a production capacity of 100 bus bodies every month.

It has set its eyes on hitting a monthly production of 200 per month, its maximum capacity.

Unlike other car dealing firms that directly manage and own their workshops, sales and service networks, Isuzu EA relies heavily on independent dealers including, KCI, Thika Motor Dealers and Associated Motor Limited.